Fiat has replaced its headline Punto Emotion with the Essence nameplate.

Though powered by the same 1.4-litre engine (good for 66kW/115Nm) found in the discontinued Emotion, the new Punto Essence is sustantially less expensive than the car it replaces, at R139 900 versus R158 500.

What distinguishes the Essence from its entry-level 1.2-litre Active sibling?

Mechanically, the Essence has anti-lock boosted brakes (not standard on the Active) with electronic brake pressure distribution. The car’s suite of safety features is completed by two front airbags, an upgrade from the Punto’s Active grade, which has no inflatable crash protection.

With its characteristically stylish Italian design and comprehensive
equipment levels, the Punto Essence would appear to offer better value
than the Emotion grade it replaces. Factor in, though, that the
three-year/60 000km service plan is an R8 310 option…

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